INDIA ELECTIONS 2009 (178 images)

India's governing Congress party was headed to a resounding victory Saturday, May 16th 2009 in the monthlong national elections. State television says Congress's alliance has won or is ahead in 263 seats, compared with the BJP's (154), the Third Front (60) and others (66)

In the absense of any greatly addressed issue or a grand leader, the Indian Election 2009 sounds rather chaotic. When on May 16th 2009, the real election results will be announced, everyone will be heading...more »

India's governing Congress party was headed to a resounding victory Saturday, May 16th 2009 in the monthlong national elections. State television says Congress's alliance has won or is ahead in 263 seats, compared with the BJP's (154), the Third Front (60) and others (66)

In the absense of any greatly addressed issue or a grand leader, the Indian Election 2009 sounds rather chaotic. When on May 16th 2009, the real election results will be announced, everyone will be heading towards a bazaar - of bargaining.

Manipur went into polls on the second phase of elections. The insurgent groups asked locals to boycott the elections, but 70% population exercising their votes. Manipur has only 2 seats respresenting the state in India's Parliament in New Delhi.
Gujarat however has 20 seats, they went to polls on the 3rd round of elections. Ahmedabad recorded 49% voting. The right wing leader, and the chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi has legal cases against him for instigating communal riots in 2002, but is still expected to win with majority votes.
There are 15 candidates vying for seats to represent Srinagar in India's parliament, although a direct contest is expected between the two candidates representing the National Conference (NC) Congress coalition and the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Srinagar is the central flashpoint of Kashmir's separatist revolt. Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a two-day boycott against the election. "By observing the strike against the elections, people can register their protests," he said. Indian paramilitary forces and police dotted the entire city on Wednesday, barricading intersections from pedestrians and vehicles.

The elections in Indian-administered Kashmir, which concluded Tuesday May 7th 2009, were conducted fairly, but not freely according to an independent team of observers.« less